Guanacaste
Nosara
Surf, yoga and the olive ridley turtle arrivals at Ostional refuge.
Surf, yoga and nature on the Nicoya Peninsula
Nosara is a beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula known for its consistent surf, its wellness vibe and its commitment to conservation. Much of the coast is protected, so the beaches stay framed by forest, without big buildings on the shoreline.
Things to do
- Surf at Playa Guiones: steady waves for much of the year, with beginner schools and board rentals.
- Yoga and wellness: Nosara is one of the best-known yoga destinations in Central America, with daily classes for every level.
- Arribadas at Ostional: Ostional Wildlife Refuge is one of the few places in the world where thousands of olive ridley turtles come ashore to nest at the same time. It happens several times a year, mostly in the rainy season, and is visited with local guides.
- Beach sunsets and walks along the Nosara River to see birds.
Tips
- Roads are gravel across much of the area: dusty in the dry season and muddy in the rainy season. A high-clearance vehicle helps.
- Arribadas have no fixed dates; if they are your priority, ask the agency before booking.
- Respect the rules at Ostional: no flash, no touching the turtles, always with a guide.
Getting there
Nosara is about two hours from Liberia airport and also has an airstrip with domestic flights from San José. It pairs well with Tamarindo to the north and Santa Teresa to the south, along the coast.
Where to stay in Nosara
Hostal Nosara ★★
Budget · Shared pool, Wi-Fi
from $65 per night
Hotel Nosara Boutique ★★★★
Comfort · Pool, Wi-Fi, Restaurant
from $160 per night
Nosara Lodge & Spa ★★★★★
Premium · Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Transfers
from $420 per night
Things to do in Nosara
- Yoga class from $20 pp
- Surf lesson from $55 pp
- Turtle arrival at OstionalDepends on the arrival season from $35 pp
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Plan your trip
from $65 per night
Choose hotel, nights and activities; prices follow the season.
Best time to visit
December to April for the beach; arribadas are more frequent in the rainy season
Getting there
✈ Has an airstrip for domestic flights